My commitment is to transform our current cultural conversation about cancer from one of fear and dread to one that empowers those of us who have cancer, as well as our friends & loved ones.

I had cancer. Cancer didn't have me.

Monday, June 30, 2008

Cancer-Based Social Networking Sites

I have found a couple of great social networking websites designated for people with cancer or people with loved ones who have cancer. One of those sites is called Planet Cancer. Planet Cancer is designed for people in their 20's & 30's who have cancer. It's a great site because it creates the space for people diagnosed with cancer to connect with and support one another. And perusing the site can also be a painful experience as you start to notice the various ages and how young some of these people are. The bottom line is that it is available and it is making a difference for a lot of people.

Another social networking site for folks with cancer is called My Crazy Sexy Life. This site was created by Kris Karr who I have referred to before (based on her book & film Crazy Sexy Cancer). It's very female oriented - makes sense since it was created by a woman - yet there is still plenty available for men who are dealing with cancer. Both of these sites are in part about being empowered in your relationship to cancer and getting the support you need to stay there. They're really great.

2 comments:

It becomes an interesting community, doesn't it. And one that you can access at 3am if you want to. A couple years ago I connected with some gals through breastcancer.org. There were multitudes of regional groups. One afternoon on a beautiful October afternoon, about 12 of us met for lunch in Woodstock NY. Since I was feeling pretty well by then, we enjoyed checking out that cool town. One more jewel in the mix (mess). Anyway, the links you establish through these networks are another level of friendship that this online age makes possible, as you reach across geographic place and time zones. Hope you're enjoying beautiful side-effect reduced summer days.LRain

"Old Iron Sides"

Our Deepest Fear by Marianne Williamson

“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, "Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous?" Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It's not just in some of us; it's in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.”